Pubdate: Tue, 03 Apr 2007
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2007 The New York Times Company
Contact:  http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Kathy Church
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n395/a03.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)

OPIATES, PAIN, AND DRUG LAWS (2 OF 2)

To the Editor:

I have an extremely painful chronic illness and have required pain 
medications for about 14 years. I have never abused or misused my 
medications. However, whenever I visit the doctor's office, my 
motives are questioned, my personality scrutinized. I have had my 
dignity and integrity completely stripped away.

If I required insulin for diabetes or statins for heart disease, I 
wouldn't be treated this way. The pain has taken so much away from my 
physical health, but the constant unwarranted suspicion really eats 
away at my soul.

Kathy Church

Battle Ground, Wash.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman